Doha, June 02 (QNA) - The Internal Security Force (Lekhwiya) and the International Search and Rescue Advisory Group (INSARAG) of the United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs signed a cooperation framework to host and organize the 2026 search and rescue exercise (USAR) in Qatar in October 2026.
Signed in the presence of HE Deputy Commander of Lekhwiya Major General Mohammed Mesfer Al Shahwani, the cooperation framework was signed by Assistant Commander of Lekhwiya for Administration and Supply Brig. Mubarak Sherida Al Kaabi on behalf of Lekhwiya, and by HE INSARAG Global Chair Ambassador Dominik Stillhart.
The cooperation framework aims to enhance the readiness and response capabilities of international search and rescue teams and improve coordination and operational efficiency through joint planning and execution of the exercise in accordance with INSARAG's internationally recognized methodology. It also includes the development of the exercise's objectives, scenarios, and evaluation mechanisms.
The selection of the State of Qatar to host this global exercise comes as a confirmation of its leading role in humanitarian work, the efficiency of the internationally ranked Qatari International Search and Rescue Group, and its role as an active partner in the UN system to confront major challenges and crises. (QNA)